Page 107 of Priest

She gestured to the empty seat. “You want to join us? We’ve got a few more minutes of break and two-thirds of a comedy show.”

Evan scooted over, nearly bouncing into Ink’s space, beaming like he’d just been personally handed a storyline. Ink looked like he might bolt, but instead he shifted uncomfortably and sat, glancing at Evan out of the corner of his eye like he wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay or run but couldn’t help being drawn in anyway.

Ink cleared his throat. “So… how’s the pregnancy going, Blue? Priest has been showing off those sonogram pics like a kid with a new toy. Never seen him so hyped.”

I blushed. “It’s good, actually. No complaints.”

Ink nodded, warmth flickering in his gaze. “Good. And, uh, thanks. To both of you. For keeping Deacon alive. Would’ve wrecked us to lose him.”

The teasing at the table softened into something real.

Lila’s voice went a little thick. “We just did our jobs. But yeah, I would’ve done anything to save him. And I know Blue would’ve fought just as hard for Priest.”

I squeezed Lila’s hand. “Always.”

For a moment, even Evan stayed quiet. His expression gentled as he looked between us, the teasing still there but tucked away behind the loyalty that ran underneath everything he did. Then I glanced at the clock and pushed myself up before the emotion could settle too heavily.

“Okay, we’ve got to hit the restroom before we get back to the land of bodily fluids and impossible family members. Evan, don’t seduce anyone while we’re gone. Ink, tell Deacon I said hi.”

Ink nodded.

Evan gave a wink, all innocence and danger. “I’ll be good.”

Lila paused beside me and looked back at him. “Your version of good or the legal version?”

Evan smiled sweetly. “Those are two very different journeys.”

Ink’s mouth twitched before he looked down at his plate.

Lila and I headed out, leaving Evan looking far too pleased with himself.

In the hallway, I looped my arm around Lila’s and dropped my voice. “Any idea what you’re going to do about Jade and Deacon?”

Lila rolled her eyes skyward. “I haven’t a damn clue.”

I squeezed her shoulder. “That’s okay. There’s no due date on these things.”

Lila let out a breath, quieter now away from Evan’s sparkle and the cafeteria noise. “Feels like there should be. Like the longer I wait, the more complicated it gets.”

“It was always complicated,” I said gently. “You’re just finally looking straight at it.”

Lila gave me a small, tired smile. “Rude, but accurate.”

As we moved down the corridor, I found myself thinking Lila had a choice, whether to let the past back in or move on. I was standing at my own edge, wondering if I was brave enough to risk my heart all over again.

“Lila,” I said, hesitating, “do you think it’s possible to love somebody who’s hurt you? Can you ever really go back?”

Lila was quiet for a moment. “Maybe it’s not about going back. Maybe it’s about moving forward. Together.”

I nodded, those words settling in my chest. “Yeah. Moving forward. I could get behind that.”

As we disappeared into the restroom, I realized maybe being vulnerable wasn’t weakness. Maybe it was the only way either of us would ever find out what came next.

35

Priest

The walls of Church feel tighter tonight.